The days passed. The news of the impending attack of the Eldritch Wisdom Elite was naturally not known by ordinary people but it had started to spread among the bigger sects and powerhouses. Some of the powerhouses mobilized all their followers, preparing them for a war of their lifetime, while some of the powerhouses began to search for secret borders to make their hiding place until the catastrophe had passed. The Heavenly Palace had united some of the powerhouses in the Area of the Gods. They stepped up their patrol of the Chaos to look for any signs of Guhe crossing the boundary.
Back at the four-part architecture, Li Nianfan was drinking his tea in a relaxing manner. He alternated between watching Fire Phoenix and Daji practice their yoga and Qin Manyun and Shi Tuqin practicing on the Guqin and calligraphy. Even Blackie was running on the treadmill.
He could not help but be puzzled by what he was seeing. ‘What are they doing? Why did they suddenly become so hardworking? They’re making me seem lazy.’
He had noticed their determination for a while now. He coughed lightly and said, “Little Daji, it’s good to practice yoga but you must rest, too. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The same goes for you, Miss Qin and Miss Shi. You only need to practice for two hours tops. Any more than that would hurt your body.” He was afraid they would injure themselves if they practiced non-stop.
“Master, it’s hard for us to stop. I think we’re all a little addicted to what we’re doing,” said Daji.
Li Nianfan shook his head and said, “That won’t do. We’ve been cooped up here long enough. Let’s go outside for some fresh air and relaxation.”
“As you wish, Master,” said Daji, never the one to disagree with him. She was deeply moved by his concern for them.
“Where are we going?” asked Fire Phoenix with curiosity.
Li Nianfan contemplated for a while and said, “Mmm, let’s pay the Heavenly Palace a visit. I remember I have a house there so let’s stay there for a while.” The house he was referring to was of course the Palace of the Deluxe Merit Saint. He felt blessed to have so many accommodations to choose from.
The group was happy with his suggestion. They all nodded their heads in agreement. Immediately, Daji called for Dragin and Nanan to join them. They all packed up quickly and made their way to the Heavenly Palace.
The Southern Sky Gate was guarded by Juling Shen and two men dressed in golden armor. They towered majestically from each side of the gate with stern expressions on their faces. At that moment, Xiao Chengfeng was also there and he was sitting somewhere not far from the Southern Sky Gate with Juling Shen. Between them was the Xiangqi board. They were happily playing against each other.
Xiao Chengfeng moved a pawn forward and said, “This Xiangqi invented by the expert is so fun. The chessboard might look simple but there are a thousand moves to make against the opponent. Each of the pieces here has its own weakness and strength. This game has brought me much joy.”
Juling Sheng moved his knight and nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. This is easier than Go. Even a rough guy like me finds joy in this. Long live the expert.”
Xiao Chengfeng shook his head and sighed. “It’s a pity a catastrophe’s coming soon. If not, we could’ve enjoyed more peaceful days ahead of us.”
Juling Shen’s eyes began to fill with nostalgia. “There’s nothing we can do about it. It has always been like this even during my days of being a divine general in the Heavenly Court during the Prehistoric time. The times of catastrophe will always be more than the times of peace. What’s more, the catastrophe this time involves the whole universe.”
“You’re right. Wise words indeed from an old-timer. I heard that Guhe had killed at least two Wisdom Elites. How horrible is that? Do you think we can stop him this time?” asked Xiao Chengfeng respectfully.
“Haha, don’t think I don’t know you’re trying to distract me with your question. I saw you stealing my bishop. Are you afraid to lose?” asked Juling Shen.
Suddenly, one of the heavenly soldiers guarding the gate came rushing over. He was red in the face and filled with agitation. “Reporting to the two divine generals! There’s a golden Merit Cloud making its way here. It seems that the expert’s coming!” His nervousness made him stutter the words out.
This was shocking news, indeed. Both Xiao Chengfeng and Juling Shen’s expressions immediately changed and they stood up without hesitation. Then, at the same time, they turned to look into the distance and saw that the Merit Cloud had come close enough for them to make out the figures on it.
“It’s really the expert! Quick, come and welcome him with me!” Xiao Chengfeng and Juling Shen strode quickly to the Southern Sky Gate and craned their neck with anticipation at the expert’s arrival.
“Greetings, Lord Saint, Goddess Daji, and Goddess Fire Phoenix,” they said and bowed respectfully when the group arrived at the gate.
“Hello, General Chengfeng and General Juling Shen,” said Li Nianfan with a smile. He sneaked a glance at the Xiangqi board and was amused by the fact that the two of them were slacking on the job.
Both Juling Shen and Xiao Chengfeng noticed the amusement in his eyes and were instantly embarrassed at being caught. They were scratching their eyes and cheeks and their heart was beating wildly. They quickly put away the Xiangqi board.
“Lord Saint, may I know the purpose of your visit?” asked Juling Shen.
“Oh, I was afraid that the Palace of the Deluxe Merit Saint would lie to waste so I came to visit it,” said Li Nianfan. Then, he waved his hand and continued, “At ease, men. I’ll take myself there.”
“Let us take you there since we have nothing to do,” said Xiao Chengfeng sincerely. The opportunity to serve the expert did not come by very often so there was no way he would let this chance slip through his fingers.
Li Nianfan took him up on his offer and the group immediately made their way to the Palace of the Deluxe Merit Saint while chatting along the way. Xiao Chengfeng and Juling Shen regaled Li Nianfan with the stories of all the recent happenings in the Heavenly Palace and the recruitment of new Immortals.
Suddenly, a figure appeared on top of the roof of the hall not far from there. His white robe was flapping in the wind as he said, “After the sun and the moon dies, sitting and watching the years pass, I’ll be eternal.”
Li Nianfan was startled by him and thought him to be odd. He looked toward Xiao Chengfeng and asked, “Is he one of the Heavenly Palace’s new recruits as well?”
Xiao Chengfeng’s expression was green with rage. “No! His name’s Xing Ya. Lord Saint should just ignore him.”
“Why’s he wearing a mask?” asked Li Nianfan.
“Our appearance is the lowest level of expression. It’s blasphemous for me to show the public my face. I won’t bring about such disdain to myself,” said Xing Ya.
“I’m sorry, Lord Saint. This guy’s a little bit…” The hair on Xiao Chengfeng’s head was standing on end. He managed to calm himself down after exerting all the effort in his body. He then pointed to his head to imply Xing Ya was a little cuckoo there.
“Just ignore him and continue on our way,” said Juling Shen.
The group walked past Xing Ya. “What’s his exact situation? How long has he been like this?” asked Li Nianfan in a low voice.
Xiao Chengfeng shook his head and said, “I suspect he’s been like this since forever. There’s no cure for him anymore.”
“To tell the truth, we tried to use brute strength to take off his mask and it wasn’t till later that we found out he spent countless years creating a spell on the mask. The spell allows it to be forever stuck on his face until the day he willingly takes it off,” said Juling Shen.
“Does such an odd spell truly exist?” asked Li Nianfan with shock.
“Yes, and the most stupid thing is, the spell’s useful for nothing else but that,” said Juling Shen.
Li Nianfan was momentarily rendered speechless. Time was precious for it was directly related to the improvement of power, so how was it possible that someone would spend all those countless years to create a spell with only a stupid function like that? Li Nianfan did not know whether to admire or pity him for paying such a high price for ‘class’.
“What an oddball. I’m really curious to know what he looks like,” said Dragin.
“Do you all really want to know?” asked Li Nianfan.
Nanan immediately nodded her head and said, “Yes! Do you think you can take his mask off, Brother Li?”
Daji was also looking at Li Nianfan. “Can you really do it?”
Li Nianfan’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Well it’s quite difficult but leave it to me! I’ll reveal his face to you all tonight,” he said with a mysterious smile.
They all could not wait for nighttime to come any faster. They were sure Li Nianfan would be able to take Xing Ya’s mask off. Xiao Chengfeng was especially excited. He really looked forward to the expert showing who’s who to Xing Ya.
Soon, they arrived at the Palace of the Deluxe Merit Saint. After the Prehistoric era was upgraded to the Area of the Gods, the Heavenly Palace was expanded as well. The changes were big and the celestial spirit was like a tide washing over the building and enveloping them in a white mist. Coupled with the merit clouds in the sky, the scene was truly breathtakingly beautiful.
The Palace of the Deluxe Merit Saint was situated at the observatory. It had the best view out of the whole Heavenly Palace for next to it was the galaxy. Compared to last time, the galaxy had also expanded several times. An infinite amount of stars dotted the sky and flowed like a river, shining their light on anyone who gazed upon it. Nothing could be more beautiful than that. Gazing into the distance, one could see the mountain ranges, dense forests, and endless sky.
“Huh?” Li Nianfan had discovered something odd while looking into the distance. There was a mountain that seemed to tower above the rest of the mountains and from his perspective, he could clearly see that the mountain, though not as high as the Heavenly Palace, was high enough to act as a tunnel between heaven and earth.
“Lord Saint, that mountain’s similar to Mount Buzhou in the Prehistoric times so we decided to call it Mount Buzhou, too. It’s a divine mountain formed in the Area of the Gods and many followers frequently go there to look for opportunities,” explained Juling Shen.
“It’s indeed a grand mountain,” said Li Nianfan with a nod of his head. Then, he looked elsewhere. The scenes before him were all very special. With one glance, one could already feel their magnificence and extraordinariness. A temple shone brilliantly while being enveloped in a misty aura.
“That’s the Flower Ocean Border where the Hundred Flower Sect is. That’s the kingdom of the Luotian Dynasty and you can see their divine temple there. That over there’s the Ice Snow Sacred Land…” Both Xiao Chengfeng and Juling Shen acted as tour guides to Li Nianfan.
All the sects there had erected fancy temples in their name to outdo one another. Even the materials they used in their buildings were the best of the best. Some of them chose to build at a place higher than the Heavenly Palace to display their superiority. The observatory was truly the best place for one to see the Area of the Gods in all its gloriousness.
Xiao Chengfeng called for a Heavenly Soldier at the next opportunity and discreetly instructed him to send a message to all the sects telling them that the expert had come to the observatory to enjoy the night scene. They should know what to do to make him happy. The Heavenly Soldier left immediately to carry out his order.
The sky gradually darkened. Li Nianfan, Daji, and the others were sitting on the largest and highest balcony in the Palace of the Deluxe Merit Saint. Under the endless night sky, under the shine of the stars, and with a soft breeze in the air, they had prepared a table full of food and had set up a grill for a BBQ party.
The day scenery had transformed into night scenery. All the major sects were lit up. Some of their lights shot up to the sky like fireworks, some manifested fire dragons hovering into the sky, some also manifested fire lotuses blooming. As for the Hundred Flower Sect, they manifested countless flower phantoms that twinkled in the sky. Each of the flowers was a different color and they were arranged in an orderly manner. The lights reminded Li Nianfan of the fireworks he had seen in the city before he transmigrated here. However, the fireworks were truly incomparable to what he was seeing before his eyes.
He sighed and praised, “The sects really don’t hold back when it comes to recruiting for followers huh. The night scene is certainly made attractive by their lights. I guess this is what it feels like to be able to do whatever one wants when one reaches a high level of cultivation.”
The Jade Emperor and the Empress arrived at this moment and they smiled at Li Nianfan. “Greetings, Lord Saint.” After that, the Seven Princesses, Goddess Chang’e, Goddess Nuwa, Cultivator Junjun, the Food God, Ye Liuyun, and the rest of his old friends came to meet him, too.
Now that he was back at the Palace of the Deluxe Merit Saint, it was natural of him to invite everyone for a meal. He smiled and said, “I made a new wine called Dragon Blood Wine. It’s very strong and I’ve specially brought some for you all to try. It’s good to pair with the BBQ. I hope it’s to your liking.”
Immediately, the princesses poured each of them a glass of wine while Xiao Bai was in charge of the grill. The charcoal was burning bright red while sparks flew around. The smoke hissed as Xiao Bai turned the skewers.
Soon, another figure appeared before the group. “I’ve come. Thank you for inviting me, Lord Saint.”
“Please, have a seat,” said Li Nianfan with a smile.
Xing Ya shook his head and said, “I’m sorry but my status doesn’t allow me to dine with others. Please, allow me to take away the food.” He then looked up at the sky coldly.
“Quick, hold down my sword, Brother Juling,” said Xiao Chengfeng, red in the face.
“What?”
“It’s itching to kill Xing Ya. I can’t control it anymore,” said Xiao Chengfeng between gritted teeth.
Li Nianfan coughed lightly to suppress their impulse. “Brother Xing Ya, can you please take off your mask? In return, I’ll teach you some cool lines.”
“Lord Saint, I can’t believe you’re so obsessed about appearances, too. I’ve already gone beyond that and cannot turn back so I advise you to give it up.”
“With the sun and the moon in my hands, with the stars only a pick away, there’s no one like me in the world,” said Li Nianfan serenely.
Xing Ya opened his eyes wide. His blood rushed to the bottom of his feet as his mind buzzed. ‘Wow! Now, this is what I call class! It’s a thousand times better than my lines! Only a line like this is worthy of me. I’ve gotta hand it to the expert. He’s so cool. Fine, you have my approval to become my ultimate enemy! Wait, hold on. Calm down. I must not overreact.’
“Who will reach the peak at the end of the immortal road, behold it’s Xing Ya with his immeasurable Wisdom,” continued Li Nianfan.
‘The line has my name in it!’ thought Xing Ya. This brought him immense satisfaction which caused his body to tremble. He wished he could scream out loud. The line was too good. His head was about to explode at the thought of how cool he would look when he said those lines.
